Internship Review at Department for Work and Pensions

The Role

Role Description

I wrote a literature review on Disability Poverty, as well as some ad hoc Briefings for the Minister and for public release. I quickly became the expert on Disability Poverty!
Beyond those standard tasks, I also had lots of opportunities to do development exercises- to see talks in other departments, to go on crisis training events, to learn about politics in general. I also organised some shadowing in other departments and time in Private Office.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

My particular role was quite boring- but the placement itself presented great opportunities to explore new areas of Government and try different things out, as well as socialise with a really great bunch of interns and learn from their experiences. So despite the actual work being very dull, everything else about the internship was UNBELIEVABLY GOOD!

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

My work didn't really have a purpose- none of them were ever going to use it, nor was it going to be used by anyone!- so my colleagues didn't really value me in terms of professional capability... However, they were quite friendly, and although i didn't feel like they were my best friends, they made life pleasant enough!

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I got lots of guidance on my main topic- a literature review- from my line manager and my colleagues, which was great. They really helped me pull it together and get my ideas in line, but also left me to my own devices so I could really decide how I wanted it done. There were a couple of extra tasks in which rather than giving me guidance as to how to do things, they often just thanked me for the work I'd done (which was rubbish, as I didn't know how!) and then did the corrections etc themselves. Whilst time-saving, it wasn't really as productive for me as it could have been.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Generally very bored! But again, that was quite a lot to do with my specific role- I was writing a literature review. The Civil Service offers a variety of posts and I know a lot of other interns who really had a great variety of things to do.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

In terms of my literature review, i was running the show- I had full decisions over how I laid it out, what I included, how I structured it etc, which was fantastic- I now have a full piece of work as evidence of my time there! However, the other extra bits and bobs I was given were more as a 'try this out, but it'll never go any further' which was a bit frustrating.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Writing a literature review is unbelievably helpful for a dissertation at university- so that was really, really useful, as I learnt how to pick out relevant information, how to categorise, how to understand stats, how to write fluently and succinctly and how to pitch your argument at different audiences. I'd have liked to have developed a bit more of the presenting skills, but I did do a bit of that too!

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

Pretty dull, unfortunately- there were occasional parties etc, but I really didn't like the open-plan nature of the place- I don't think it's conducive to forming close communities.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Really well organised on their behalf- I mean, as interns we had to use our own initiative to all meet up (I, for example, set up a weekly 'Interns' Drinks' session) but the information was provided for us. We may not have been placed ideally, but we were all informed well of where we were going to be, and I had a good support network in place at my work. The Intensive Coaching Programme was a bit scatty though- details should have come out much earlier, and proper dates set at the beginning of the scheme.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

They spent a lot of time teaching me about different areas of the Govt, and reflecting as to how my work was going so far. My line manager and I met at least once a week, which was really good to bounce ideas off and make sure you're headed in the right direction. They really tried to make sure I improved all of my skills; particularly by offering the Intensive Coaching Programme, which gave us a lot to think about re the Fast Stream Application Process!

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was lucky enough to get on to the Intensive Coaching Programme, which provides a great insight into the Fast Stream Assessment process, and hopefully puts me with a good chance of a job, but who knows- it's a tough process! Whilst my job in the internship may not have been that exciting, there are plenty of other really fascinating things to do, as I learnt from my own exploration and discussing with other interns, so definitely a place to go for an interesting career.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The other interns were absolutely great- I made some fantastic friends and they really helped me to enjoy my time there. Plus I got to learn lots more about the Civil Service, as I could hear about their experiences too!

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It was London- it was always going to be expensive, but we were paid a decent amount to just about cover our costs, so it wasn't really an issue.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

We definitely worked in the corporate side of London, but there were LOADS of plays to go and see in Victoria, plus lots of bars and restaurants in the area where we worked. At the other end of Whitehall, obviously, was Trafalgar Sq and Covent Garden, so we never had to go too far to get some entertainment!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were a fair few activities- quite a few sports etc, although I didn't really get the chance to join them. The main activities were socialising- that was where you learnt the most!

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The Summer Diversity Internship is a really, really good idea for ANYONE considering the Civil Service. Your job might vary in the quality- I know some people who got really awesome jobs, and others who had a bit duller ones like mine- but it provides you with a fantastic opportunity to learn how the Government works, and whether that's the right environment for you. You get to meet some lovely interns; you get fantastic support from your Line Manager and Mentor; and you have a fantastic work life balance. It definitely opened my eyes to the world of work and where I want to go in the future.

Review 2/2 for Department for Work and Pensions

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